Prof Dr. Ayesha Waqar | Transformational Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Ayesha Waqar | Transformational Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Lahore School of Economics, Pakistan

Author Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Ayesha Waqar’s academic journey reflects a robust commitment to intellectual excellence and interdisciplinary scholarship. She embarked on her higher education at the Lahore School of Economics, where she earned an MPhil in Economics and Finance in 2008, followed by a Ph.D. in Economics in 2012, specializing in Financial Economics. Her early academic focus was shaped by a passion for financial systems and their intersection with macroeconomic development and environmental policy. In 2018, she further honed her research acumen by securing a Research Fellowship at the prestigious University of Oxford within the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies. This global exposure allowed her to examine environmental and climate policy issues through a comparative and international lens. Her academic foundation was further enriched by specialized training in green economy indicators from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and executive seminars from Harvard Business Publishing and LUMS, which gave her the pedagogical and strategic tools necessary for a future leadership role in academia and policy.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Ayesha Waqar has established a distinguished career at the Lahore School of Economics, starting as a Lecturer in Economics in 2003 and rising through the ranks to become a Professor of Business Administration in 2022. Over the years, she has designed and delivered a rich spectrum of courses across postgraduate and graduate levels, including Global Financial Systems, Sustainable Development Policy, Environmental Economics, and International Finance. Her teaching integrates real-world policy challenges with classroom theory, drawing on her interdisciplinary expertise in economics, governance, and finance. She has also taken her knowledge beyond the classroom, teaching data analysis and policy interpretation to senior civil service officers at the Pakistan School of Public Policy. Her dynamic curriculum development and thesis supervision demonstrate her dedication to nurturing future policy leaders and economists.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Waqar’s research lies at the critical intersection of climate change, sustainable economic development, and financial intermediation. She is especially interested in how financial institutions and policies can drive green transformations, with a particular focus on the Blue Economy, Green Finance, and Energy Efficiency. Her applied research roles reflect this commitment, having worked as a Project Economist at SAMA^Verte, contributing to USAID and World Bank initiatives aimed at rural energy transitions and carbon insetting. Her advisory positions with the Government of Punjab and Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, involved strategic planning for industrial sustainability, fiscal resilience, and cross-border energy market management. Additionally, she mentors Oxford University students conducting environmental fieldwork in Pakistan, helping translate academic knowledge into policy impact.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Ayesha Waqar’s stature as an influential academic and policy expert is reflected in her appointments to prestigious roles such as Director on the Board of Governors at ZTBL and the Printing Corporation of Pakistan, where she serves on multiple strategic committees, including audit and risk. These roles underscore her reputation for ethical leadership and strategic foresight in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)-aligned financial reform. Her selection as a Research Fellow at Oxford, a position typically reserved for exceptional scholars, and her role as a trusted advisor to international and national governments are testaments to her impact and credibility in her field.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Waqar’s influence extends across academia, policy, and international development sectors. Her policy recommendations have informed sustainable infrastructure planning and institutional reform at the provincial and federal levels in Pakistan, while her international consulting roles reflect her versatility and ability to adapt economic principles to diverse geographic contexts. Through her mentorship with the Pakistan Field Research Program, she is shaping global environmental thinkers who are equipped to tackle challenges such as climate justice, marine conservation, and blue growth. Her efforts are helping bridge the often-distant worlds of academia and actionable policy, making her a catalyst for sustainable transformation.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a scholar, mentor, policy advisor, and thought leader, Ayesha Waqar has already created a legacy of intellectual rigor and policy relevance. Her continued focus on integrating financial economics with sustainability positions her at the forefront of research on climate policy and economic development. Moving forward, she is likely to expand her influence through transnational research collaborations, enhanced participation in global policy forums, and innovative academic programming at the Lahore School of Economics. With a clear vision rooted in inclusivity, climate resilience, and institutional excellence, Dr. Waqar is poised to leave a lasting mark on the future of green economic governance in South Asia and beyond.

📝Notable Publications

Green finance and sustainable development in Europe

A Afzal, E Rasoulinezhad, Z Malik
Economic Research – Ekonomska Istraživanja
2022

The role of fintech in promoting green finance, and profitability: Evidence from the banking sector in the euro zone

N Mirza, M Umar, A Afzal, SF Firdousi
Economic Analysis and Policy
2023

Is fintech the new path to sustainable resource utilisation and economic development?

M Awais, A Afzal, S Firdousi, A Hasnaoui
Resources Policy
2023

The impact of green lending on banking performance: Evidence from SME credit portfolios in the BRIC

N Mirza, A Afzal, M Umar, M Skare
Economic Analysis and Policy
2023

The impact of financial development on environmental sustainability: A European perspective

B Xu, S Li, A Afzal, N Mirza, M Zhang
Resources Policy
2022

Dr. Jiongjiong Fan |Authentic Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jiongjiong Fan |Authentic Leadership | Best Researcher Award

China National Rice Research Institute, China

Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Jiongjiong Fan’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in bioengineering at the Henan Institute of Science and Technology, where he earned his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in 2016. With a deep interest in the biological sciences and a passion for agricultural biotechnology, he advanced his studies in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Shanghai Normal University. Under the mentorship of Professor Zhu Jun, he pursued his Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree from 2016 to 2018. His research during this period focused on molecular mechanisms underlying plant growth and stress responses, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to agricultural science.

Driven by his commitment to addressing environmental challenges in agriculture, Dr. Fan furthered his expertise in Environmental Engineering at Shanghai Normal University. Guided by Professor Huang Xuehui, he earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in 2022. His doctoral research explored innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture, emphasizing environmental protection and resource efficiency. This period of rigorous academic training equipped him with interdisciplinary skills, bridging the gap between environmental science and agricultural biotechnology.

Professional Endeavors and Research Contributions 🌿

Upon completing his Ph.D., Dr. Fan embarked on a postdoctoral journey at the China National Rice Research Institute (CNRRI) in June 2022. As part of the National Southern Rice Variety Testing and Evaluation Laboratory, he collaborates with esteemed advisors Yang Shihua and Gong Junyi. His research primarily revolves around the genetic improvement and environmental adaptability of rice varieties, with a particular focus on stress resistance, yield enhancement, and sustainability in rice production.

Dr. Fan has been instrumental in pioneering innovative techniques for evaluating and improving rice cultivars. His work integrates molecular biology, genetic engineering, and environmental sciences to develop rice varieties that can withstand climate change-induced stresses such as drought, salinity, and pest infestations. Through cutting-edge genomic research and precision breeding techniques, he aims to enhance the resilience of rice crops, ensuring food security for millions.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Fan’s exceptional contributions to agricultural biotechnology have earned him numerous accolades and recognitions. His groundbreaking research has been published in prestigious scientific journals, contributing significantly to the field of rice genetics and environmental sustainability. He has also been invited to present his findings at national and international conferences, where he shares his expertise with fellow researchers and policymakers.

His work has not only gained recognition in academia but has also attracted attention from agricultural industries and governmental bodies seeking sustainable solutions for rice production. Through his dedication and expertise, Dr. Fan has become a respected figure in the field, influencing the next generation of agricultural scientists.

Impact and Influence 💡

Dr. Fan’s research has far-reaching implications beyond academia. By developing climate-resilient rice varieties, he contributes to global food security and sustainable agriculture. His innovative methodologies in rice breeding and environmental adaptation strategies are being adopted by research institutions and agricultural industries worldwide.

His mentorship of young scientists and collaboration with fellow researchers further amplify his influence. By fostering interdisciplinary research, he bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical agricultural applications, ensuring that his scientific contributions translate into real-world benefits for farmers and consumers alike.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱

As Dr. Fan continues his journey at the China National Rice Research Institute, his vision remains clear: to revolutionize rice production through sustainable and innovative research. He aims to expand his research on stress-resistant rice varieties, exploring novel genetic modification techniques to enhance crop performance under challenging environmental conditions.

In the coming years, he plans to deepen his collaboration with global agricultural organizations, contributing to international efforts in combating food scarcity and climate change. His legacy will be defined by his unwavering dedication to agricultural sustainability, environmental conservation, and scientific innovation.

Dr. Jiongjiong Fan’s journey exemplifies the power of research and innovation in addressing some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture. His work not only strengthens the scientific community but also leaves a lasting impact on the global food system, ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.

📝Notable Publication

Genomic investigation of 18,421 lines reveals the genetic architecture of rice”

Authors: Wei, X., Chen, M., Zhang, Q., Han, B., Huang, X.

Journal: Science (New York, N.Y.)

Year: 2024

“Phenotypic evolution of appearance quality and cooking and taste quality of hybrid rice over the past 40 years in China”

Authors: Fan, J., Li, W., Bian, Y., Zhang, X., Gong, J.

Journal: Frontiers in Plant Science

Year: 2024

“Natural variation of ZmLNG1 alters organ shapes in maize”

Authors: Wang, Q., Fan, J., Cong, J., Liu, H., Huang, X.

Journal: New Phytologist

Year: 2023

“Whole-Genome Sequencing of 117 Chromosome Segment Substitution Lines for Genetic Analyses of Complex Traits in Rice”

Authors: Fan, J., Hua, H., Luo, Z., Huang, X., Wang, Q.

Journal: Rice

Year: 2021

“OsMS188 Is a Key Regulator of Tapetum Development and Sporopollenin Synthesis in Rice”

Authors: Han, Y., Zhou, S.-D., Fan, J.-J., Zhu, J., Yang, Z.-N.

Journal: Rice

Year: 2021